The Truth and Facts Behind Gum Disease

An infection in your mouth like gum disease can lead to
serious health issues over time if it is not addressed early on. Many people
think that gum disease is only a result of bad oral hygiene, but in truth, even
healthy people are at risk. Gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, is a common
problem for many adults even if they brush their teeth on a regular basis.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Practicing good oral hygiene at home can mitigate the impact
of gum disease, but it will not guarantee you are not at risk. Gum disease is
caused by a number of factors, including your daily habits and nutrition, your
hormones, genetics, and other health problems like diabetes. Even your age and
gender can dictate if you are a good match for gum disease – something none of
us want to be a candidate for.

Regardless of the reason behind it, gum disease can cause
plaque buildup in your mouth over time that needs to be professionally treated.
This plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which is even more unsightly and
harder to remove.

What are the Signs of Gum Disease?

There are several different stages of gum disease ranging
from mild to severe. You should not wait until more serious problems arise
before consulting with a dental professional at Kabani Dental. Common signs of
an infection in your mouth include:

Swollen, tender, and/or dark gums

Gum bleeding before, during or after you brush your
teeth

Bad breath on a daily or repeat basis

Gums that appear to be shrinking (receding)

If plaque is not removed on a daily basis, it can quickly
build up and lead to a more serious and costly condition. Unfortunately, many
people don’t realize how quickly bacteria infiltrates their mouth because they
do not actually see the plaque accumulating.
You may only notice how severe plaque buildup is after it has mineralized and
turned into tartar, which takes on a darker yellow appearance. It is a slow and
frustrating process that should be avoided whenever possible.

Be Proactive With Your Oral Care

Since gum disease is caused by a number of reasons, it’s
important to take an aggressive approach with your dental treatment plan. Thinking
“this will never happen to me” is not a realistic mindset to have when millions
of Americans suffer from the same problem. It is also important to keep in mind
that gum infections do not always look like a full-blown mouth disease.
Sometimes only certain teeth or areas of your gums are directly impacted by the
oral infection – that does not mean it is less of an issue.

Do not underestimate the impact these infections can have if
they are left to worsen over time. If you start to develop symptoms, schedule
an appointment with a dentist at Kabani Dental to find a resolution. Gum
disease can affect your everyday life, but the effects do not have be
permanent. Your dentist can help you reverse the problems caused by oral
infections like gingivitis and guide you towards proper preventative care.Make
sure you continue to brush and floss on a daily basis, in addition to visiting
your dentist at Kabani Dental regularly. Taking a well-rounded approach to your
oral health will improve your overall quality of life and give you a smile you
are proud of.